Secession Era Editorials Project

A New Era.

Charleston, South Carolina, Mercury [Democratic]

(29 May 1856)

The South Carolinian, in alluding to the public demonstrations in approval of Mr. BROOKS, uses the following language:

"And, to add the crowning glory to the good work, the slaves of Columbia have already a handsome subscription, and will present an appropriate token of their regard to him who has make the first practical issue for their preservation and protection in their rights and enjoyments as the happiest laborers on the face of the globe."

Was the like of this ever before published in a newspaper in South Carolina? The negroes of Columbia have actually participated in the congratulations of Mr. BROOKS, and the South Carolinian lauds it as "the crowning glory to the good work." Now, these meetings in South Carolina to sustain Mr. BROOKS, as counter to those at the North, are proper enough. But when, in the Capital of the State, slaves are permitted, nay, applauded, and urged to take part in our political movements-- to unite in popular demonstrations -- to raise subscriptions, and present their tokens of approval to our public men-- it is, indeed, a spectacle as digusting as it is novel. We blush for the State when such things are permitted. If our slaves can pubicly congratulate, may they not publicly condemn? And if one portion are permitted to laud Mr. BROOKS, why may not another, if disposed, sympathise with Mr. SUMNER?

According to the Carolinian, the approval of Mr. BROOKS'S fellow citizens, their congratulations and testimonials, are completely obscured by "the crowning glory" of this negro demonstration! And, in the same view, we suppose that the negro deputation-- and why should their not be one? -- when it arrives in Washington, will take precedence over their matters, while they present to Mr. Brooks their "appropriate token."

Such a proceeding, while it offends every sentiment of Carolina society, is calculated to bring ridicule and disgrace upon the whole movement.